Spring 1998

Physics and Applied Optics

Semiconductors focus of physics course development

Physics and applied optics faculty are leading an effort with colleagues in other academic departments to better prepare physics students for careers in the growth field of solid state devices.

“Physicists tend to be generalists. However, we also want to provide students the opportunity to learn specific skills that will immediately be applicable in industry,” explained Michael McInerney, professor of physics and applied optics.

“Solid state devices is an area where students can put physics to practical use working in the electronics industry,” he noted.

McInerney joins David Stienstra, professor of mechanical engineering; Frank Acker, professor of electrical and computer engineering; and physics colleagues Jerry Wagner and Azad Siahmakoun in developing new solid state devices and materials science courses. The new classes will be available to upperclassmen this fall. They will benefit physics majors and students pursuing degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical engineering.

In the advanced course, students will learn how to manufacture a simple solid state device.

“Although industrial standards are now submicron, the students will make a relatively huge transitor that does not require a clean room,” McInerney said. “This lab will teach the optical, electrical, mechanical and physical principles of device fabrication.”

Instrumentation is important in the devices industry and the course will enable students to use the newly refurbished electron and optical microscopes, he added.